Banana Shire Council has appointed Tom Upton as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Upton will take over the position being vacated by Ray Geraghty on 4 November 2019.

Mr Geraghty is retiring after 27 years as a local government CEO, the last eleven years with Banana Shire Council.

Mr Upton’s career in local government spans more than 20 years and began with Peak Downs Shire Council in 1994 (3yrs), followed by roles as Manager Financial Services at Rockhampton Regional Council (3yrs), Director of Community & Cultural Development at Rockhampton City Council for (7yrs), General Manager Community Services at Rockhampton Regional Council (3yrs). 

Mr Upton’s first CEO level role was at Winton Shire Council (2011-2016), and after this he was the CEO for Darling Downs Moreton Rabbit Board (2016-2018), before returning to his roots in local government when he joined Banana Shire in July 2018. 

His key strengths over his years in local government are in the areas of finance, governance and community development.

Mr Upton  lists one of his key achievements being at Winton Shire Council, where he was pivotal in actively pursuing new business opportunities for the community such as working with Screen Queensland and production companies to secure Winton as a location for movie production.

Mr Upton holds qualifications as a FCPA – Fellow of the Australian Society Certified Practising Accountants (1996, Fellow since 2015), MLGMA – Member of Local Government Managers Australia (since 1994), has a Bachelor of Business (1988), and is a Commissioner of Declarations.

In his spare time Mr Upton is very involved in the community and has a long affinity with the Scout movement in a leadership capacity.

Mr Upton said he was very happy to be appointed as CEO and appreciated the opportunity that Council had provided.

“I am committed to working with the elected Council to deliver on their goals and strategies for the various communities across the Banana Shire,” Mr Upton said.

“I have a particular focus on economic development, financial management and customer service and will look to work within the Council to ensure that these priorities are front and centre in terms of Council operations.

“I am committed to promoting engagement with all sectors of the community and will work actively with the various communities to ensure that effective lines of communication and meaningful consultation is undertaken with the relevant communities in relation to services to be provided,” Mr Upton said.

Mr Upton was selected ahead of several high quality candidates following a few months of extensive screening and interviewing.

His posting was finalised by the full Council at this morning’s August General Meeting.

Banana Shire Mayor Nev Ferrier said while it was sad to see Mr Geraghty leaving the organisation, Council was looking forward to its stewardship under Mr Upton.

Ray Geraghty has worked in Local Government since 1974 in Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales and stepped into the role of CEO at Banana Shire Council in 2008.